Have you ever done a pantry clean out and found a jar of honey that has the appearance of crystals and threw it in the bin thinking it was no longer edible or thought that sugar had been added to the honey?
Let us explain why crystallisation or granulation occurs, and the wonderful benefits of pure Australian Raw honey.
The natural process of crystallisation or granulation occurs in raw honey because of its natural sugar content, particularly glucose. Honey is primarily made of two sugars: glucose and fructose. Over time, the glucose in honey tends to separate from the water and form crystals.
Several factors influence the granulation process:
Natural process: Granulation is a natural process and does not impact the taste, safety or nutrition of the honey. Raw honey retains all its natural enzymes and nutrients, making it more likely to crystallize than heated processed or blended honey. The honey you buy from Simply Honey is pure, raw honey and may granulate, depending on the variety.
Variety of honey: Some varieties of honey will granulate faster than others. For example, Yellow box honey is low GI and is very slow to granulate.
Temperature: Honey crystallizes faster in winter and cooler temperatures, especially between 10-15°C. If stored below 10°C, honey may harden. You can still use the honey as you normally would, and it is absolutely safe to eat.
Glucose to fructose ratio: Honeys with a higher glucose content crystallize more quickly than those with a higher fructose content
How to soften granulated honey
Granulated raw honey can be reversed by gently warming the honey in the sunshine or placing the jar with the lid sealed in a bowl of warm water. Warming in the microwave is not recommended.
What are the benefits of raw honey:
1. Better Taste
Raw honey has a richer flavour and tastes like honey should. Its unique taste comes from the specific flowers the bees visited.
2. Long Shelf Life
When honey is stored correctly it does not have an expiration date. It’s been found perfectly edible in the tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs.
3. Retains Natural Nutrients and Enzymes
Raw honey retains its natural vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. These components contribute to honey’s overall health benefits. In contrast, processed honey is heated to stop granulation and destroys many of these valuable nutrients and enzymes.
4. Contains Antioxidants
Raw honey is rich in antioxidants, like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. This can reduce oxidative stress, lower inflammation, and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Processing honey can reduce its antioxidant content, diminishing its health benefits.
5. Has Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
Raw honey contains natural antibacterial compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and bee-derived compounds. These properties help with wound healing and fighting infections. Australian Manuka honey is known for its potent antibacterial properties.
6. Contains Pollen and Bee Propolis
Raw honey often contains traces of bee pollen and propolis, which have additional health benefits. Bee pollen is a source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Propolis, a resinous substance used by bees to seal their hives, also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. These are typically filtered out in processed honey.
7. Allergy Relief Potential
Raw honey, particularly when sourced locally, contains trace amounts of pollen from the region. Consuming small amounts of local raw honey might help desensitise individuals to seasonal allergens, potentially providing mild allergy relief over time. This benefit is usually absent in processed honey, as pollen is often removed.
8. Less Risk of Additives or Adulteration
Blended and processed honey may sometimes contain imported honey which can contain added sugars or syrups (like corn syrup) to extend shelf life or improve consistency.
Raw honey is more likely to be pure, with no added ingredients, giving you the full benefits of the honey without unwanted additives.
Buying raw honey from Simply Honey not only are you supporting a 100% Australian family-owned business, but you are also supporting all of the hard working Australian Beekeepers who just love doing what they do and bringing you the best honey in the world!